About us
Plumline Leadership Institute, a 501 © 3 “Faith-Focused” organization, the mission is to provide leadership training and development, mentoring, coaching, and offer organizational and professional development to churches, non-profits, schools, individuals, faith-based organizations, and corporations to ensure capacity for sustainability, and growth.
Why choose us
Leadership & Our Team
Chief Instructor
Instructor - The Leader’s Work and Life
Instructor - Leadership Theory and Practice
Dr. Drew Gordon
Instructor - The Psychology of Leadership
Instructor - Introduction to Biblical Preaching and Communicating Biblical Truth
Instructor - Organizational Change and Conflict
Instructor - Personal Spiritual Formation
Chief Instructor
Dr. Ben Griffin | Minister • Author • Leadership Coach
With over four decades of ministry experience across four states and ten congregations, Dr. Ben Griffin currently serves as the minister of Third Street Church of Christ. His journey in ministry spans Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina, earning him a reputation for passionate preaching, practical leadership, and a deep commitment to spiritual growth.
With over four decades of ministry experience across four states and ten congregations, Dr. Ben Griffin currently serves as the minister of Third Street Church of Christ. His journey in ministry spans Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina, earning him a reputation for passionate preaching, practical leadership, and a deep commitment to spiritual growth.
Dr. Griffin is not only a seasoned minister but also a highly credential leader. He holds advanced degrees in ministry, leadership, and organizational development, including a Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) in Leadership and Organizational Development, an Ed. D. in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Conflict Resolution, an M.Div. in Bible Exposition, and an M.A. in Ministry (Leadership Studies). He also holds a certificate in Strategic Management and is a Certified Organizational Development Coach.
A proud U.S. Army veteran with nine years of service, Dr. Griffin has also worked in higher education as Associate Dean at York University and currently serves as an adjunct professor.
As an author, he brings a clear and compelling voice to modern church leadership with books such as:
• Christian Living
• Leadership: In the World’s Greatest Business, The Church
• Shall We Stand Still or Move Forward?
• Torn: Should I Stay or Leave the Ministry
• Embracing the Spirit of Evangelism
• Looking for a Church that Prays
• Sheep Searching for Shepherds
• Mending Broken Fences
• Preach...But use God's Microphone
• That We Might Have Hope
His life motto, “Bringing out the Best in Others,” guides every aspect of his work.
Dr. Griffin is also the founder and president of Plumline Leadership Institute (PLI)—a faith-focused 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering church and nonprofit leaders through coaching, consulting, online learning, and organizational development. PLI equips churches, faith-based teams, and individuals with the tools to lead with clarity, compassion, and purpose.
Learn more at plumlineleadershipinstitute.com
Instructor - The Leader’s Work and Life
Dr. Jaqua Lewis-Hunte
Dr. Jaqua’ Lewis-Hunte is a devoted Christian and Educator committed to serving children of all ages. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Student Education and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. In 2018, she earned a Doctorate degree in Education Leadership from Lynn University.
She currently serves as the President of the Florida Council for Exceptional Children. She has been ardently serving students with disabilities since 2013 and is dedicated to bettering learning opportunities for all students through teacher learning and empowerment. She is respected and loved by all for her diligent efforts to support all students, especially those with disabilities. Currently, she is the Principal of Suncoast Christian Academy in Lake Worth Florida and adjunct professor at Lynn University.
Instructor - Leadership Theory and Practice
Dr. Drew Gordon
Dr. Andrew “Drew” Gordon is a 1998 graduate of Faulkner University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a Physical Education emphasis (now known as Sports Administration); he strongly values Christian education, aligning with his Christian faith and values. He also has a background in education, curriculum design, and student development from over 25 years in education.
His professional working style is student-focused, flexible and collaborative and he believes in prioritizing the needs and growth of students to create a thriving learning environment. He has experience working on the K-12, undergraduate, and graduate levels in various capacities. His goal is to help students reach their academic and philosophical potential, educating the whole person.
He was blessed to study under Christian men and women who, not only educated him, but also helped him grow in his faith as he grew academically, and it is his goal to also mentor students in this way. He is a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with research in Stress and Neurology in Athletics from Capella University (2014); he holds a Master of Education in Physical Education (specializing in Sports Administration) from Delta State University (2005).
He is married to the former Emily Nicole Junkin, and they have two daughters, Jayna and Rylee. His motto is a quote from his father: “Bless it, release it, let it go, and let God have it!”
Instructor - The Psychology of Leadership
Dr. Sam Heastie
Dr. Sam Heastie A trained Psychologist, Dr. Heastie is a graduate of West Virginia University in Morgantown West Virginia. He holds the doctorate degree in Educational Psychology, with additional training in Clinical, Counseling, Human Services Psychology, and Social Work. In 1986, shortly after receiving his bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson Tennessee, the Nassau Bahamas native returned to the Bahamas and became a secondary school teacher in the public school system with the Ministry of Education. Dr. Heastie’s desire to improve his own skills motivated him to return to the United States in 1989. Upon completion of his doctorate degree, Dr. Heastie worked as Special Assistant to the President, for Diversity, at Grove City College in Grove City Pennsylvania and later took a teaching position in the Department of Psychology at Fayetteville State University. Today, Dr. Heastie is Associate Professor in the department of Social Sciences at Miami-Dade College and works as a Behavioral Health Clinician for the Broward Addiction Recovery Center. Additionally, Dr. Heastie works independently as a relationship specialist serving the needs of married and dating couples who want to improve the quality of their relationships. Because of his ability to speak to numerous issues and to inspire people, Dr. Heastie is often invited by colleges and universities, companies, and organizations to give keynote and motivational speeches on a wide variety of topics. Formerly, he produced a television program, “The Family Enrichment Hour,” and a radio program “The Family Enrichment Minute.” He is the author of Peanut Butter, Jelly, & Us! Practical Faith-based Principles for Strengthening Families – a book that takes all of the good of the Bible and practically applies it to the things that confront a person’s everyday life – especially family matters? Dr. Heastie is married to Mrs. Gaynell Heastie, and has been for more than thirty-five years. Together, they have two beautiful daughters who are also pretty – Samantha 34 years of age, and Ashley 31years of age.
Instructor - Introduction to Biblical Preaching and Communicating Biblical Truth
Eric W. Doss, MA
Professor Doss is a native of Bradenton, Florida. He is a graduate Southwestern Christian College, where he earned an AA Liberal Arts Degree, David Lipscomb University where he earned a B.A. degree with a major in Communications and a minor in Religion Education and Amridge University, where he earned a master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy.
He has preached across this country and on foreign soil conducting meetings, workshops, lectures, symposiums, and conferences. He has served as a former Care Consultant, and counselor for Premier Behavioral Health and Therapeutic Services and Specialized Outpatient Services in several states. He is presently serving the Liberty City Church of Christ in Miami, Florida.
Instructor - Organizational Change and Conflict
Willie A. Farrow, MS
Professor Farrow started his career as a production analysis (statistician) and has over 25 years of executive-level management experience in public and private sector business operations; twelve years in church development, and community development, three years as a federal government personnel manager, ten years as a government contractor, twelve years as a director of human resources. He served in the United States Air Force.
Professor Farrow holds a (BS) Degree in resource management, a (MS) degree in management science and studied educational leadership at The University of West Florida and Pastoral Leadership and Community Development at Argosy University. He is a frequent public speaker for chambers, colleges, and other professional organizations in the areas of leadership, management, sales team development, and human resources. He has hosted radio broadcasts in Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola, and Panama City, Florida.
Instructor - Personal Spiritual Formation
John Davis Marshall, MA
Professor Davis has studied at Freed-Hardeman University (BS), Theological University of America (MA), University of Memphis, and Southern Christian University. His research paper, "Single mothering Stimulates a Positive Family Networking Within Black Families" was selected and presented at the Annual Graduate Research Symposium at Memphis State University.
He is the CEO of Wisdom to Wealth, a 501c3 Non-profit Corporation, developed to educate and nurture individuals into the practical relevancy of the wisdom of God. Solomon Society provides life coaching through teaching, training, workshops, forums, seminars, support groups, and social media. John is an Author, Counselor, Editor, Lifestyle Architect, Business Coach and Real Estate Sales Trainer. You may contact John Marshall at, jm@wisdomtowealth.info or (864) 484-7290